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Celebrating Those Who Invest in Our Success

Education is the way to forge a better future. The things we learn today can mold the way we’ll live tomorrow. This is something Social Security takes seriously. We know the work you do today will shape the benefits you’ll receive later on.

During May 1-5, we celebrate National Teacher Appreciation Week, a time to celebrate the role of educators in our lives. Most of us remember those dedicated individuals who helped us learn our ABCs and solve math problems while they shaped our intellect through lessons and encouragement.

Daily, teachers go beyond the call of basic instruction. Their contributions to our society are invaluable. Their dedication and lifetime commitment to their work is unrivaled, a dedication and commitment that Social Security can relate to.

Our agency seeks to educate the public about the programs and benefits we have to offer. Whether you’re getting married, having your first child, or applying for disability, we want you to know all the options available to you.

We’re with you throughout life’s journey, have been for more than 80 years, but there’s a lot people don’t know about Social Security. We offer more than just retirement. We provide financial benefits, information, and tools to help secure your today and tomorrow.

We are there when you’re born, when you get your first job, and on the day you retire. We are there to explain the uses for your Social Security card, what FICA is, and what happens to your family if you die.

You can learn more on Social Security’s newly launched Educator webpage and Toolkit and our Students’ Webpage. Teachers often say preparation is the key to success. Come learn all the ways Social Security helps you prepare for the future.

Thank you very much for taking the time to show appreciation to our teachers and educators! I personally have benefited throughout my entire life due to the hard work and effort of these people. From grade school, to college, and now with my own children in school. Our educators are so valuable and do much more than what one might see from a distant perspective. Thanks again for the blog and to all out educators across the world!

Are you kidding me? I’m in California and the CTA (Ca Teachers Assoc) runs the state. They have bought the legislature over the last 40-50 years. CA use to be a leader in the nation in education but now they indoctrinate and social engineer at all levels. Now at Berkeley there is no such thing as free speech (unless it’s on the LEFT) and, of course, the violence and property damage. And supposedly this is the ‘home’ of free speech and diversity? Add to this the outrageous pensions they get while municipalities, cities and even the state is on the verge of bankruptcy. You cannot touch those because CalPERS is entrenched in the state Constitution — and how did that happen…..the CTA and the ALT-LEFT legislature. Who was speaking for the taxpayers?

What’s with these posters who can’t lay their egg until they’ve said something negative and hateful about some aspect of our country, be it our government, the agencies we all depend on, or the vital services it provides to us all? And isn’t it ironic that it’s always, always the ones blaming and complaining about the “left” and the “liberals” who are the first to spew their negative and complaining comments every day this blog comes out? On a website, specifically a positive, informational blog published by that very government for our benefit? All these people see, all they say when referring to our government is negative, bad, and terrible. Never do they admit the benefits they receive every minute of every day that same government provides for them.

In fact, from the way they talk it sounds like they actually HATE America! What else could one think, after all? They never, ever have one good thing to say about our country, never. No, these “patriots” – these individuals who claim they want to “make America great again” – never describe America in any positive way; it’s always complaints, blame, knocking it, criticizing it, but never, incidentally, offering any concrete suggestions as to how to fix these supposed “problems.” Whenever these people talk about America, it’s always, without exception, negative. Something to keep in mind next time you hear one of them rant, or read their negative, destructive, critical posts.

It’s called free speech. And while we’re at it why is SS wasting tax payer dollars with something that is in the purview of the Department of Education. Further, while “The things we learn today can mold the way we’ll live tomorrow” is true, it leaves out what the results of the indoctrination will be. And where’s your solutions? You are what you are complaining about.

Clearly you didn’t have the benefit of a solid education, else you’d have been able to both read and comprehend my comment, which was merely a rhetorical observation. From your post, it’s obvious you have no idea what I was actually saying, though. And by the way – as you pointed out yourself –
expressing my observations is just as much MY right as anyone else’s.

we are making a easy access out of house and brother(oldest) who’s now deceased is using my ssdi money but mother said he and father left plenty of money to fix up house for me to stay in. But he did not listen. Maybe sister listened to mother. Anyway can I use more of ssdi on access.

John
Seeing the need, many teachers have gone into teaching late in their careers.
So they might have put in to Social Security 10-20 years and into a teacher pension a few years not knowing about the Windfall Act.
As a result they are living in poverty

Still can’t get access for online social security information please assist me with this issue also I thought my children would receive there on credits child support is garnishing half my benefits for false back pay do I really need a lawyer to get all my income and debts right its tough living off this lil income but Ill never give up on improving these benefits…👌

Hi Richard. Unfortunately, but for security reasons, we do not have access to personal records in this blog. Please contact your local office for assistance. If you are unable to visit the local office, you can call our toll free number at 1-800-772-1213. Representatives are available Monday through Friday, between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. Generally, you will have a shorter wait time if you call later in the week. Thanks.

Eric O. could not be more correct.
The general public is at the mercy of the teachers’ unions throughout ourcountry, but probably nowhere more severely than in CA.
We need to wake up and address this before the USA becomes the New Europe.

I HAVE NEVER RECIEVED SOCIAL SECURITY BENEFITS N MY LIFE.! i DID NOT MAKE ANY COMMENTS WITH MISPELLED LETTERS. , MY NAME IS NOT LESLIE OR MARY, OR SEAN ,OR EARNEST OR WHOMEVER. I AM NOT 62 OR OLDER. I HAVE TRIED TO COLLECT BENEFITS OVER TEN YEARS AGO AND WAS TOLD IF I COULD WALK AND TALK, I WAS NOT ELIGIABLE FOR BENEFITS , THAT WAS THE SOCIAL SECURITY REPRESENTATIVES EXACT WORDS. IN NEW YORK CITY. I AM ALSO NOT MARRIED AND HAVE BEEN DIVORCED SINCE 1998. AND NEVER REMARRIED. I DONT BELIEVE IN SAMESEX MARRIAGES OR MULTIBLE MARRIAGES OR OPEN MARRAIGES. I JUST WANT TO BE REIMBURSED OF MY BENEFITS FOR WHEN I RETIRE I HAVE SOCIAL SECURITY BENEFITS, TO SUPPORT ME. THANK YOU FOR YOUR COOPERATION.

If you’re not 62 or older, you’re NOT “entitled” to Social Security benefits -yet – because, obviously, you haven’t retired.

As far as the “walking and talking,” comment, I suspect the poor, beleaguered representative you spoke to at the SSA “over ten years ago” was confused by your incredibly garbled speech and ignorance about Social Security benefits. It sounds like you went to apply for benefits and they assumed, because you are “NOT 62 OR OLDER” that you were applying for SSDI, which is NOT retirement but disability insurance for workers who’ve paid into SS long enough before becoming unable to work due to severe, permanent disability. You don’t just walk in and demand that any time; if you’re able to work and you’re under 62, then you don’t qualify for Social Security. This is basic information. How sad that you don’t even understand the mist basic programs of your own government.

And for the record, you misspelled numerous words; the first of which was “MISPELLED” [sic].

Hi Evonne. The length of time it takes to begin receiving payments after receiving a favorable decision in a hearing varies. Approved claims are randomly selected for a quality assurance review of the decision. We care about our customers and are working as fast as we can. For security reasons, we do not have access to information about your account in this venue. In your situation, we encourage you to contact your local office or call our toll free number at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) and speak to one of our representatives. Representatives are available Monday through Friday between 7:00a.m. and 7:00p.m. Thanks!

The bottom line is that millions of Americans believe the lie about rampant “waste” in government. It is used to lower the taxes of the wealthiest Americans while you see reduced services. Somehow the fearful and angry voters who gravitate to the right believe that there are hundreds of billions invested in foreign governments and deadbeats. Well the guy you elected to the House is reducing the size of the agency which you paid for your whole life through your taxes. Apparently, in his/her mind, while he is insuring the people who pay for his campaign, their lobbyists and think tanks, get what they pay for, you, and your need for services, have become the deadbeat judging by the fact that judges can’t be hired, local offices close or are severely understaffed. The joke is when running for office, all these candidates talk of running the government like a business. Maybe this is why they are in Congress. Any business run like this would be run into the ground. You get what you vote for. Stop accepting talking points that sound appealing. They are lies meant to keep you angry and afraid.

Any advise for a coworker whose job quality is suffering to the point of letting go who suffers from DMI. DM is making standing difficult, hearing is going, sight is terrible, is on a pump and it’s not keeping things under control, just lost 2 siblings to DM1 and has a defensive attitude and depression is obvious. Out of genuine care I looked up disability requirements. Did I read right that she basically has to be unemployable for a year before she can claim disability? She worked 18 years for the practice and the health and attitude decline is obvious?

Hi Lindsey, a person may still be eligible for disability benefits under the Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) program if they work. However, their earnings cannot exceed a certain amount. This is called the Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) limit. In 2017, the SGA limit is $1,170 per month (or $1,950 for blind applicants). In addition to the amount of money you make, Social Security may also look at the number of hours you’re able to work. If a person thinks that he or she meets our definition of disability, we encourage them to apply. Individuals can apply online. For more information visit our “Frequently Asked Questions” web page on disability. We hope this information helps.

Howdy! Quick question that’s totally off topic. Do you know how to make your site mobile friendly? My site looks weird when browsing from my iphone 4. I’m trying to find a theme or plugin that might be able to resolve this problem. If you have any suggestions, please share. With thanks!

Thank you for your question Ana. When you work and pay Social Security taxes, you earn up to a maximum of four “credits” for each year. If you are eligible to retire at age 62, we use the highest 35 years of earnings to compute your benefit amount. If you do not have 35 years of earnings, we will use all of the earnings on your record. We will factor in an annual total of $0.00 earnings for each of the remaining years. In 2017, you must earn $1,300 in covered earnings to get one Social Security or Medicare work credit and $5,200 to get the maximum four credits for the year. You can use our Online Retirement Estimator to get estimates of your future retirement benefits. Also, you can create a “my Social Security account” to review your earnings record, and the estimated Social Security and Medicare taxes you’ve paid. We hope this helps!

Hello Odean. Work for a state or local government agency, including a school system, college or university, may or may not be covered by Social Security. Visit our web page on State And Local Government Employment for more information. Thanks!

Hey! What about nurses day (5/6) and nurses week – all week long. We are the ones counting on SS since hospitals have gotten rid of pensions. And, we will have no residual benefits (health & life insurance) when we leave the workplace. We must work 40+ years at important stressful jobs before ever thinking of retirement.